The Club closed, you may still contact the office for … · 2020-05-20 · TEMPLE NEWS May 2020 A reminder that, although the Club and office is closed, you may still contact the

TEMPLE NEWS May 2020

A reminder that, although the Club and office is

closed, you may still contact the office for information/advice please email Kathryn at

[email protected] or Elizabeth at

[email protected]

Hello Everyone Welcome to the second newsletter in this slightly different format as our Commodore continues to keep you regularly updated with the Club status with his emails. This month we have some photographs to share of the various VE Day Celebrations our members managed to enjoy whilst socially distancing. Today, from my window, I have seen several yachts and power boats out on, probably, their first outings of the season, sailing in glorious sunshine. The wonderful weather has been a blessing during the lockdown, enabling us to get outside and exercise. The golfers among us can now also get back on course. Hopefully, we will hear from the Templers soon. Good health Sue Editor

Judy & David

The Oates’ Residence, suitably be-decked

The Club

The Allens celebrating

Denys Tweddell at home

The Green’s Residence

mailto:[email protected]


Please send any contributions for compilation into the next issue or comments, etc to Sue Foster at [email protected]

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VE DAY FROM FRANK MARTIN

Our garden Tommy arrived from Royal British Legion Industries who are doing a brilliant job raising funds

through sales of “Tommies” in various sizes and other items related to VE Day.

We have now made a “Pal” for him out of the cardboard packaging he arrived in (Steph’s idea – she thought he looked lonely). So now our brothers in arms

have a view over the English Chanel to France. It’s very poignant.

93 year old member Derek Hirst is a veteran of the Artic convoys in WW2. The Russian Embassy sent

him a new medal to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of The Great Patriotic War

Derek wearing his Russian Medal

Congratulations Derek

Tony Smythe on VE day

with his Mum (bottom right-hand corner)



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RAMSGATE WEEK & SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS

Happy 53rd May, isn’t this month dragging? I’m so confused with what day of the week it is, lockdown appears to have addled my brain!

Euromarine Insurance Ramsgate Week is still under review; until we can actively go racing we cannot even think about a regatta. So, watch this space for more information regarding this. My role these past few months has been keeping our club and Ramsgate Week still in everyone’s mind on social media. We have had some of the biggest engagements and have had new followers join us on both our private and public pages. This is probably due to more people having time to browse through social media due to lockdown. I don’t know about the rest of you but my social life has been reduced to online quiz evenings. I’d never even heard of Zoom before this happened but now it’s entered my vocabulary and is a word that I use regularly. “I’ll be zooming later” or “see you on Zoom” are words that are said most days. For those of you who haven’t used it, it’s so simple. You just need to be emailed a link, you click on it, say yes to allow audio and video and you’re in! Please join us on Thursday evenings when Rachel and Martin Morgan hold their weekly Zoom quiz. The Commodore and Judy have won for the last three weeks so we need some more competition. During these strange times we have to find new ways of keeping in contact, so consider giving Facebook a go and follow us at RTYC Ramsgate, or the closed private group Royal Temple Yacht Club where you have to ask permission to join as it’s for members only. What’s on the Facebook pages? We put jokes, articles from other yachts clubs and yachting magazines. Clips from YouTube which are sailing related and anything that is Ramsgate or club related. So, if you’re bored for something to read or watch then check it out.

This is an interesting article from Pip Hare as she prepares for this year’s Vendee Challenge. It’s about dealing with loneliness so very relevant to today. REFLECTIONS FROM SEVERAL THOUSAND

MILES IN MY OWN COMPANY I have been a professional sailor for my entire adult life, spending many thousands of hours crossing oceans, isolated by geography but in close company with other sailors. Although I always had ambitions to race single-handed, all my sailing was crewed until eleven years ago when I finally gave solo sailing a try and started on my path to the Vendee Globe race which departs in November this year. This first delivery was the first time and to date the longest time I have ever been alone at all, let alone in the middle of an ocean. As many of us are now experiencing physical isolation from the people in our lives, I have been reflecting on my time alone on the ocean and how I have learned to be alone and happy.

On 2nd January 2009, I set off on my first ever solo ocean voyage. I’d never sailed even one night alone before and this voyage from Uruguay to the UK took me 58 days. I had no phone; no internet and I could send and receive only two text emails per day if I could get radio reception. Since then I have sailed over 40,000 miles alone, including five solo trans-Atlantics and many more miles just because I could. The kit on the boat varies, in the mini class we had only a VHF radio to keep us company – even our mobile phones were taken away. On the IMOCA I have phones, satellite broadband and a special case that allows me to use my mobile phone via satellite networks. In a way it was easier to accept a lack of human contact with my early races; where communication was not allowed or I did not have the budget to cover sat phone calls then I just had to get on and deal with things. My hardest moments have always been around self-doubt; like the first time I performed a solo mast climb. I was terrified to do



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it, I’d practiced ashore but never on the water. In the middle of the Atlantic I had to go aloft and make a repair. I tried it once but bottled out at the first set of spreaders then sat on the deck and cried because I just didn’t know if I could do it. At that time, I would have given anything for an arm around my shoulders, an encouraging word in my ear, but in those early days I had to learn ways to reassure myself. I sat all night thinking about that mast climb, the consequences of not going up, the technique I had learned, the safety precautions but also the fact that if I really wanted to race solo across oceans this was something I was just going to have to do. In the morning I climbed; it took me ages, I was shaking all over, but I made the repair and came down to the deck a stronger person in every way. Now when I climb my mast at sea I will always ring my shore crew first, I am still terrified and I still hate it and though their words will help to calm me down I know I can do it without them. Being alone at sea gives me the ultimate freedom and agency to be exactly the person that I want. I choose how I react, I choose how hard I push or when to hang back. It is scary to embrace this for the first time, and on reflection, I had not realised how reliant I was on others to provide encouragement and support. When you sail alone there is no one who can do it better than you, even if you make mistakes every task must be faced head-on. It’s hard and still takes some inner dialogue to get me through the tough moments, but every time I encounter and overcome a new challenge, using my own brainpower and abilities I grow stronger as both a sailor and a person. I believe that being alone in this way has forced me to grow as a person I have learned to believe in my own ability to solve problems and to give myself permission to try and fail then try again. Despite all the above self-imposed isolation I have never felt lonely at sea, there is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. We live in a world that is super connected, there are many ways for us to keep relationships going, to spend virtual time with the people we love, to share the meaningful and frivolous moments of our days with each other even if we are self-isolating or practicing social distancing. If I am totally honest the loneliest I have felt in my entire solo sailing career has been this last year managing my Vendee Campaign, dealing with the daily stress and strain of making it happen and not feeling that I could burden my friends and family with my problems. Even though I have daily contact with people I don’t always feel able to share my concerns. When I go afloat I have chosen to be alone, I love the challenge, I love the focus, I love the ocean and the person it allows me to be, I

know that there are people who care about me watching from the shore. We live in a world that is super connected, there are many ways for us to keep relationships going, to spend virtual time with the people we love, to share the meaningful and frivolous moments of our days with each other even if we are self-isolating or practicing social distancing. If I am totally honest the loneliest I have felt in my entire solo sailing career has been this last year managing my Vendee Campaign, dealing with the daily stress and strain of making it happen and not feeling that I could burden my friends and family with my problems. Even though I have daily contact with people I don’t always feel able to share my concerns. When I go afloat I have chosen to be alone, I love the challenge, I love the focus, I love the ocean and the person it allows me to be, I know that there are people who care about me watching from the shore. I guess the purpose of sharing this insight is to point out that even when we are in a room full of people we can feel lonely and isolated. As our self-isolation and social distancing continues it’s going to be important to keep talking over the next few weeks. Being alone is a manageable thing, being lonely less so. Stay in contact with the people around you, talk, write, send silly pictures and videos, stay connected and dream up some big plans for when all this is over.

So, on that hopefully positive note I send my best to you all, stay safe, stay strong and see you all on the other side. All the best Karen Chair of Ramsgate Week and Social Media.



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A CRYPTIC QUIZ FROM

ANNE PEERS

Solution on Page 9

1. 7 D in a W

2. 1066 B of H

3. 13 UFS

4. 5 R on the OF

5. WF at 32 D F

6. 180 M S with 3 D

7. 6 W of H the E

8. 2468 W D W A

9. 1666 G F of L

10. 2 P in a P

11. 12 S of the Z

12. 29 D in F in a LY

13. 10 C

14. 3 B M

15. 7 A W of the W

16. 1966 E W the W C

17. 180 D in a T

18. 23A, S G D

19. 14 D in a F

20. 64 S on a C B

21. 16 O in a P

22. 14 F, V D

23. 9 L of a C

24. 57 HV

25. 101 D

Pillory Gate Wharf, SandwichPillory Gate Wharf, Sandwich

BOAT SALESBOAT SALES01304 61392501304 613925

highwaymarinegroup.co.ukhighwaymarinegroup.co.uk



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ENTERTAINMENT

Now in week eight of lockdown, boredom is creeping

in. We have been offering a quiz open to all members

on Thursday nights at 8:30 after the NHS clap.

Although there were a few technical difficulties with

Zoom the first week, it is now behaving and the quiz

is scheduled weekly. Congratulations to Mike and Jo

who won the first week, with David and Judy winning

the subsequent weeks. The quiz is less about

knowledge and more about raising a glass, seeing

friends and having a laugh. So please join the fun

next Thursday and hopefully we can ensure Mr and

Mrs Commodore don't win a third time in a row. The

Zoom joining details are advertised on the Facebook

page and the clubs various WhatsApp groups a few

days before the quiz.

The entertainment team are hoping to set up a book

club in the coming weeks, which will initially be via

Zoom and continue into the club when we’re back

open. If you enjoy reading new books, chatting with

fellow members then please get in contact:

[email protected].

Hope to “meet up” soon!

Rachel

Screen shot from Karen showing the Zoom Quiz

TEMPLE TEASER FROM STUART CARTER

Solution on page 9

The following anagrams are of (mostly) common nautical terms. All of the answers begin with the letter A. The number next to the anagram denotes the number of words in the answer. This may take some time but what else have you got to do??

1. Hand soap bin (2)

2. Hatch can row (2)

3. Ran which con? (2)

4. ID mishaps (1)

5. Painted prawn (2)

6. Beans a meal (2)

7. Feta ham at ebb (3)

8. A hall rose (2)

9. Oily fabric visit (3)

10. Haste cries wolf (4)

Good luck!




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SAILING NEWS

Doesn't time fly when we are locked down in our humble abodes? My month has been filled with reading lots of web reports on the future of sailing in the community and how it will affect us for the future. This got me thinking that, with the need to social distancing, we cannot go racing. Then somebody suggested to me resurrecting the Radio-Controlled Laser Fleet and start sailing again in Anorak Corner of the outer harbour. Well guys, who fancies getting this going again in the future? I'm told we have at least 12 boats in the club? I’ll happily organise this with the RCS team if we get enough people interested. Message back on the WhatsApp link please.

Radio-Controlled Lasers

I am fortunate enough to be able to do my daily exercise with a walk down to the Walmer Beach. Believe me, this can be a challenge at this age and body mass! How variable the weather has been? All I do is dream of the days when we can run down to the Deal Dolphin, chasing that big white spinnaker of Foxy and not believing how far ahead Stiletto is getting. You had better watch out Stiletto, Rob Smith is coming to get you in his toy Kabluzo (no pressure Rob)! Oh well, fingers crossed that we can get back racing very soon. In the meantime, I’ve been playing this new game at home during lock down to pass the time!

Moving on, the Flag Officers have agreed that after the Government early June directive, we will make the decisions on when and how we are going to get back on the water, decide if Ramsgate Week will go ahead and when we envisage racing and been out on the water again. One positive piece of news, we get the new buoys delivered next week, in readiness for the racing season ahead. Let’s hope that these will stay in place this year! A PINT FOR ANYONE WHO CAN SPOT THE 4 DIFFERENCES ON THESE BUOYS, answers in writing please, you never know you may win the caravan from ‘Bulley’s’ star prize

Oh well, let’s hope we can unlock the country a little more and get back to our love of the water in the very near future Stay Safe and Best Wishes to all Nick



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TONY PEERS A PERSONAL RECOLLECTION

We were all terribly shocked to hear of the loss of dear Tony – a total gentleman and

complete character. We will miss him.

One particular night remains in Tommy and my memories when we were invited for

dinner on Stay Young along with the Greens. “Super” we said, looking forward to seeing them and enjoying Anne’s great cooking

aboard the cosy boat.

You know me, always enjoying getting dressed up for a night out but we were

unprepared for the weather that night. When we left home it was raining (well – that’s the hair ruined); by the time we got down to the harbour the wind must have been blowing at

least an 8! The boat was pitching and tossing in the inner harbour and we just managed to scramble aboard from the extremely wobbly pontoon clutching our bottles of wine for the

evening. My elegant evening look had turned into a total bedraggled mess. With the wind howling around the rigging we enjoyed their

superb hospitality and a hugely funny, enjoyable and unusual (to say the least)

evening.

He used to make me laugh when we walked past their house on Prospect Terrace – he always had some funny remarks to call out

from the balcony – very naughty man.

Bye, bye Tony. Bless you.

Sue and Tommy



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THE WALKING GROUP

Contact Davena on 07760 402479

to be added to the group WhatsApp

As soon as we are able, the next walk will be announced. In the meantime, we hope our walkers are managing to get out to stretch their legs and keep fit and healthy.

TEMPLARS GOLF SOCIETY Maybe some news from the golf course next month…..

SOLUTIONS TO OUR QUIZS

TEMPLE TEASER SOLUTION

From page 6

1 Abandon Ship

2 Anchor Watch

3 Anchor Winch

4 Amidships

5 Apparent Wind

6 Able Seaman

7 Abaft the Beam

8 All Ashore

9 Arc of visibility

10 As the Crow Flies

SOLUTION TO THE CRYPTIC QUIZ

1. Seven days in a week 2. Battle of Hastings 3. 13 unlucky for some 4. 5 Rings on the Olympic flag 5. Water freezes at 32 F 6. 180 miles to south pole with 3 dogs 7. 6 wives of Henry VIII 8. 2468 who do we appreciate 9. Great fire of London 10. Pigs in a poke 11. 12 Signs of the zodiac 12. 29 Days in Feb in a leap year 13. Ten commandments 14. Three blind mice 15. 7 Ancient wonders of the world 16. England wins the world cup 17. 180 Degrees in a triangle 18. 23 April St George's Day 19. 14 Days in a fortnight 20. 64 squares on a chess board 21. 16 ounces in a pound 22. 14 Feb Valentine’s day 23. 9 Lives of a cat 24. 57 Heinz Varieties 25. 101 Dalmatians


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The Club closed, you may still contact the office for … · 2020-05-20 · TEMPLE NEWS May 2020 A reminder that, although the Club and office is closed, you may still contact the